System and method for a garden table assembly

ABSTRACT

According to various embodiments, a furniture system and method of manufacture is disclosed. The furniture system may comprise one or more raised horizontal platforms. The plurality of platforms may flank a basin, such as a catch basin. The furniture system may comprise one or more support members to support and/or raise the platforms and/or basin from ground level. The furniture system may comprise one or more containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/871,632 filed on Aug. 29, 2013 and entitled“SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A GARDEN TABLE ASSEMBLY,” which is incorporatedherein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure is related to a table and related structures.

BACKGROUND

There is a long felt need for catch basins having integral raisedplatforms. Moreover, drainage may be difficult for large raised plantersystems. Aspects of this disclosure address these and other concerns.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to an improved furniture system designedto address, among other things, the aforementioned deficiencies in priorart furniture assemblies and/or raised planter systems.

According to various embodiments, a furniture system including a firstwooden horizontal platform, a second wooden horizontal platform, apitched water-tight metal basin disposed between the first woodenhorizontal platform and the second wooden horizontal platform, one ormore support members configured to at least one of support and raise atleast one of the first wooden horizontal platform, the second woodenhorizontal platform and the pitched water-tight metal basin from groundlevel and a first porous mesh metal container positioned at leastpartially within the pitched water-tight metal basin, wherein the firstporous mesh metal container comprises a first lip of bent metalconfigured to at least partially overhang an opening of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin and a second lip of bent metal configured to atleast partially overhang the opening of the pitched water-tight metalbasin is described herein. The first wooden horizontal platform may becoated with a fiberglass resin. The second wooden horizontal platformmay be coated with the fiberglass resin.

The furniture system may include a freestanding first bench comprising athird wooden horizontal platform, wherein the height of the wood of thethird wooden horizontal platform is substantially equal to the height ofthe wood of the first wooden horizontal platform, wherein the thirdwooden horizontal platform is coated with the fiberglass resin, andfurther comprising a freestanding second bench comprising a fourthwooden horizontal platform, wherein the height of the wood of the fourthwooden horizontal platform is substantially equal to the height of thewood of the second wooden horizontal platform, wherein the fourth woodenhorizontal platform is coated with the fiberglass resin. A naturalgroove of at least one of 1) the first wooden horizontal platform, 2)the second wooden horizontal platform, 3) the third wooden horizontalplatform and 4) the fourth wooden horizontal platform which creates asubstantially non-level surface is filled with a keepsake and thefiberglass resin to create a substantially level surface. The keepsakemay be a flat space filling intrigue adding element, such as a coin(e.g., penny). The keepsake may serve as a source identifier. Forinstance, an additional trademark and the keepsake shall indicate toothers that the product is authentic and from the known makers. Thenatural groove is a knot and/or split in the wood.

The furniture system may include a second porous mesh metal containerpositioned at least partially within the pitched water-tight metalbasin. The second porous mesh metal container may include a first lip ofbent metal configured to at least partially overhang an opening of thepitched water-tight metal basin and a second lip of bent metalconfigured to at least partially overhang the opening of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin. The furniture system may include a first endmetal container positioned adjacent the first porous mesh metalcontainer located external to and adjacent to one end of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin, wherein the first end metal container isdisposed between the first wooden horizontal platform and the secondwooden horizontal platform. The furniture system may include a secondend metal container positioned adjacent the second porous mesh metalcontainer located external to and adjacent to one end of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin. The second end metal container is disposedbetween the first wooden horizontal platform and the second woodenhorizontal platform. The cumulative lengths of first end metalcontainer, the first porous mesh metal container, the second porous meshmetal container, and the second end metal container are substantiallyequal to the length of the first wooden horizontal platform, and whereinthe cumulative lengths of first end metal container, the first porousmesh metal container, the second porous mesh metal container, and thesecond end metal container are substantially equal to the length of thesecond wooden horizontal platform.

The mouth of the pitched water-tight metal basin is centered both on thex axis and the y axis of a perimeter formed by a distal edge of thefirst end metal container, a distal edge of the first porous mesh metalcontainer, a distal edge of the second porous mesh metal container, anda distal edge of the second end metal container. The pitched water-tightmetal basin may span a shorter length than the length of the firstwooden horizontal platform. The pitched water-tight metal basin may spana shorter length than the length of the second wooden horizontalplatform, and wherein the length of the first wooden horizontal platformand the length of the second wooden horizontal platform aresubstantially equal. The pitched water-tight metal basin may span ashorter width than the width of the first wooden horizontal platform.The pitched water-tight metal basin may span a shorter width than thewidth of the second wooden horizontal platform, and wherein the width ofthe first wooden horizontal platform and the width of the second woodenhorizontal platform are substantially equal. The pitched water-tightmetal basin may comprise a drain plug. According to various embodiments,the pitched water-tight metal basin may not be made of wood.

According to various embodiments, the pitched water-tight metal basinand ordered repeated openings in the sides and base of the first porousmesh metal container are configured for drainage, aeration and/orhydroponic growing. A channel may be formed between the inside bottomsurface of the pitched water-tight metal basin and the underside of thefirst porous mesh metal container.

According to various embodiments, a tabletop surface is disclosedherein. The tabletop surface may include a first wooden portion and asecond wooden portion, wherein the first wooden portion of the tabletopsurface and the second wooden portion of the tabletop surface areseparated from contact by an open metal basin there between. The openmetal basin bottom inside surface may be pitched towards one side of theopen metal basin. The length of the open metal basin is shorter than thelength of the first wooden tabletop surface, wherein the open metalbasin is centered on a x axis and a y axis of an outer perimeter of thetabletop surface. The open metal basin may overhang at least a portionof a proximate edge of the first wooden tabletop surface and at least aportion of a proximate edge of the second wooden tabletop surface. Twoopposite interior walls of the open metal basin may be configured suchthat a first side is taller than an opposite second side.

According to various embodiments, a furniture system including a firstwooden horizontal platform, a second wooden horizontal platform, apitched water-tight metal basin disposed between the first woodenhorizontal platform and the second wooden horizontal platform, wherein afirst lip of the pitched water-tight metal basin and a second lip of thepitched water-tight metal basin overhang at least a portion of the firstwooden horizontal platform and the second wooden horizontal platform;one or more metal support members configured to at least one of supportand raise at least one of the first wooden horizontal platform, thesecond wooden horizontal platform and the pitched water-tight metalbasin from ground level; a first porous mesh metal container positionedat least partially within the pitched water-tight metal basin, whereinthe first porous mesh metal container comprises a first lip of bentmetal configured to at least partially overhang an opening of thepitched water-tight metal basin and a second lip of bent metalconfigured to at least partially overhang the opening of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin; a second porous mesh metal container positionedat least partially within the pitched water-tight metal basin, whereinthe second porous mesh metal container comprises a first lip of bentmetal configured to at least partially overhang the opening of thepitched water-tight metal basin and a second lip of bent metalconfigured to at least partially overhang the opening of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin; a first end metal container positioned adjacentthe first porous mesh metal container located external to and adjacentto the pitched water-tight metal basin, wherein the first end metalcontainer is disposed between the first wooden horizontal platform andthe second wooden horizontal platform; and a second end metal containerpositioned adjacent the second porous mesh metal container locatedexternal to and adjacent to the pitched water-tight metal basin, whereinthe second end metal container is disposed between the first woodenhorizontal platform and the second wooden horizontal platform, whereinthe cumulative lengths of first end metal container, the first porousmesh metal container, the second porous mesh metal container, and thesecond end metal container are substantially equal to the length of thefirst wooden horizontal platform, wherein a length of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin is substantially equal to the cumulative lengthof the first porous mesh metal container and the second porous meshmetal container is disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimedin the concluding portion of the specification. Below is a summary ofthe drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements andwherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a garden table assembly, in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a garden table assembly with a removed basin, inaccordance with various embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary sub-frame of the garden table assemblyin accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a basin in accordance with variousembodiments;

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate containers to be received by a basin inaccordance with various embodiments; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a platform structure in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a process flow for the creation of a wooden platform.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of portions of a gardentable assembly in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a box diagram of portions of a garden table assembly inaccordance with various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes referenceto the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way ofillustration and their best mode. While these exemplary embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the inventions, it should be understood that other embodimentsmay be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions.Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes ofillustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recitedin any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in anyorder and are not necessarily limited to the order presented.Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, andany reference to more than one component or step may include a singularembodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected orthe like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, fulland/or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any referenceto without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contactor minimal contact.

Aspects of the present description are described as being fashioned froma desired material however; it should be appreciated that any elementmay be suitably fashioned from any suitable material, such as woods,metals, polymers, plastics, composites, and/or the like.

According to various embodiments and with reference to FIGS. 1-3, afurniture system 100 is disclosed. The furniture system 100 may comprisea garden table. Furniture system 100 may comprise one or more raisedhorizontal platforms 115, 120. The plurality of platforms 115, 120 mayflank a basin 400, such as a catch basin (See FIG. 4). The furnituresystem 100 may comprise one or more support members, such as supportmembers 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245. Furniture system 100 maycomprise one or more containers, such as containers 130, 140, 150.

Raised platform 115, 120 may be any suitable dimension and/or shape,however, in a preferred embodiment, each raised platform 115, 120 is ahexahedron, (e.g. a polyhedron with six faces.) At least one of the sixfaces of the raised platform may be substantially parallel with theplane of the ground. As previously noted, the dimensions of this facemay be any suitable dimension, but are generally between about 12-40inches wide, and preferably about 14-20 inches wide. The length of eachraised platform 115, 120 may be any suitable dimension, however, in apreferred embodiment, each raised platform 115, 120 is preferablybetween about 30 and 60 inches long, such as about 40 inches long. Theheight of each raised platform 115, 120 may be any suitable dimension,however, in a preferred embodiment, each raised platform 115, 120 ispreferably between about 1 and 10 inches tall, such as about 3 inches inheight.

Raised platform 115, 120 may be made from any suitable material.According to various embodiments, raised platform 115, 120 is made fromwood. The wood may be reclaimed wood. The wood may be treated. The woodmay be refurbished. The wood may be new and/or treated to appear asweathered and/or aged. Raised platform 115, 120 may be a solid woodplank. In the alternative, one or more wood pieces/planks may be joinedto form raised platform 115, 120.

According to various embodiments and with renewed reference to FIG. 3, asupport structure to raise basin 400 and/or platforms 115, 120 apredetermined height off the ground may be integral to furniture system100. For instance, though they may be arranged in any suitableorientation, support members, such as support members 205, 210, 215 and220 may be fashioned into a generally rectangular shape. A pair of theserectangular shaped/fashioned support members may be cross braced bysupport members 230, 235, 240, 245. For instance, a side surface ofsupport structure 215 may make contact with the ground. The rectangleformed by support members 205, 210, 215 and 220 may be oriented normalto the plane of the ground. Cross brace support members 230, 235, 240,245 may be oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the groundand/or normal to the orientation of the formed rectangles formed bysupport members 205, 210, 215 and 220. Stated another way, therectangles formed by support members 205, 210, 215 and 220 coupled toone or more cross brace support members 230, 235, 240 may generally forma “U” shape. Though support members 205, 210, 215 and 220 are depictedin the Figures as forming a rectangle, any suitable structure forraising platform 115, 120 and/or basin 400 above the ground may beemployed. For instance, support members may be oriented to form an “X”shape, an “H” shape, a circular formation, in an octagonal or hexagonalformation. The two sides of support members coupled together via crossbrace support members 230, 235, 240 need not form the same shape.

According to various embodiments, the rectangles formed by supportmembers 205, 210, 215 and 220 may be coupled together via platforms 115,120; basin 400 and/or basin 400 and platforms 115, 120. Stated anotherway, support members 205, 210, 215 and 220 may be coupled togetherwithout cross bars/braces, such as cross brace support members 230, 235,240, 245.

Support members 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 may be made fromany desired material. For instance, support members 205, 210, 215, 220,230, 235, 240, 245 may be made of steel tubing, aluminum, titanium,stainless steel, cast iron and/or the like. In general, though they maybe coupled together through any desired coupling mechanism, adjacentsupport members 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 are weldedtogether. For instance, adjacent support members 205, 210, 215, 220,230, 235, 240, 245 may be TIG welded, MIG welded, arc welded, fusionwelded, spot welded and/or the like. Corners of adjacent support members205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 may be joined together on anysuitable angle. Corners of adjacent support members 205, 210, 215, 220,230, 235, 240, 245 may be welded together on a 45° or 90° miter, asdesired.

Raised platforms 115, 120 may be coupled, permanently, semi-permanently,or removably to cross brace support members 230, 235, 240, 245.According to various embodiments, raised platforms 115, 120 may becoupled to basin 400 for additional support.

According to various embodiments and with renewed reference to FIGS. 1and 4, furniture system 100 may comprise a basin 400. Basin 400 may becoupled to one or more frame elements 210, 240, 245 and/or raisedplatforms 115, 120. Basin 400 may be located in any location; however,according to various embodiments, basin 400 is oriented substantiallybetween a pair of raised platforms 115, 120. According to variousembodiments, a center line of basin 400 is sustainably centered on, andcollocated with, the centerline of the furniture system 100 in both theX axis and the Y axis.

According to various embodiments, basin 400 may be mounted in a fixedposition, and provide structural support to furniture system 100.According to various embodiments, basin 400 may be semi-permanent andremovable. Basin 400 may be any desired shape or any desired dimension.Preferably, a side surface of basin 400 abuts a side surface of eachraised platform 115, 120. Stated another way, there is no and/or minimalgap between a side wall of basin 400 and one or more raised platforms115, 120. Portions of basin 400 may overlap portions of raised platform115, 120. Similarly, portions of raised platform 115, 120 may overlapportions of basin 400.

Basin 400 may form a box with a base 410 having a rectangular shape. Thebox may have any desired depth and/or volume. Basin 400 may be watertight (such as of such tight construction or fit as to be impermeable towater). The base 410 of basin 400 may be pitched or canted such thatliquid, such as water and/or waste water, may flow from a proximate endof basin 400, such as end 425 to a distal end of basin 400, such astowards end 420 (See FIG. 8). The interior of basin 400 may be treatedwith a coating to encourage liquid beading and/or flow. The pitch/angleof the slope of basin 400 base 410 may be linear. Thus, the base 410 ofbasin 400 may not be parallel to the face of platform 115, 120. Twoopposite interior walls of basin 400 may be fashioned such that one sideis taller than the other (See FIG. 8). Stated another way, measuringfrom flange 401, the distance to the base 410 of an interior side of theinterior “box” formed from the basin 400 walls may be 8 inches onproximate side 425. Similarly, measuring from flange 401, the distanceto the base 410 of an opposite interior side of the interior “box”formed from the basin 400 walls may be about 10 inches on distal side420. Hand brakes, press brakes, manual manipulation and/or specializedtooling may be utilized to form basin 400. According to variousembodiments, a magnetic hand brake may be utilized to form basin 400allowing for virtually limitless formations and various geometricdesigns. The magnetic hand brake may have 180° of freedom. Powerfulmagnets allow for materials, such as steel, to be formed in specific,highly reproducible, angles. The magnetic hand brake further comprises abending apparatus attached to it that allows you to bend material in anydimension at any angle. This formation may assist with drainage of basin400. Opposite interior sides of basin 400 may be parallel.

A valve 430 may be coupled to a low point of end 420, such as in acorner or along an edge, such that liquid may be drained from basin 400(See FIG. 8). The valve 430 may be any type of valve such as aquarter-turn valve (rotary valve); ball valve, butterfly valve, plugvalve, spherical valve or a multi-turn valve (linear motion valves);such as a gate valve, globe valve, fixed cone valve, needle valve andpinch valve. The valve 430 may be a cork or pressure fit stopper. Thevalve 430 may be welded to basin 400. The valve 430 may be sealed suchthat liquid from basin 400 does not escape basin 400 at the valvecoupling point other than interior to the valve 430.

Basin 400 may comprise flanges 401 for coupling basin 400 to thefurniture system 100. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4, a flange 401 maybe coupled to and/or formed from the material of basin 400. A portion offlange 401, such as the underside 405 of flange 401 may be coupled to aportion of the furniture system 100. For instance, one or more flange401 may be sandwiched between the coupling of raised platform 115, 120and a structural member 240, 245.

According to various embodiments, a flange 401 of basin 400 may rest ontop of platform 115, 120. According to various embodiments, the plane ofthe initial opening of basin 400, defined by the perimeter of flange410, is in line with the plane of a face of platforms 115, 120.According to various embodiments, basin 400 may be coupled to platform115, 120, such as by lagged basin 400 into platform 115, 120, and/orbasin 400 may be welded, such as via stitch welds, into the crosssupport members 240, 245. A stitch weld may be an approximately one-inchsegment of welds. For instance, a one-inch stitch weld may be made everysix inches along structural member 240, 245. Thus, basin 400 ties theentire structure of the furniture system 100 such as the raised platform115, 120, to the catch basin 400, to the steel frame structural members205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 to form a single, contiguous,solid apparatus, such as a table and more particularly a garden table.The basin 400 being stitch welded and/or lagged through either theunderside or the side of the raised platform 115, 120 adds to thesupport of the frame and/or various support members.

Containers 140, 130, 150 may be received by the opening of basin 400 (asdepicted in FIG. 1). Each container 140, 130, 150 may be any desireddimension. Containers 140, 130, 150 may be made from any suitablematerial, such as woods, metals, polymers composites, and/or the like.With referee to FIGS. 5A and 5B, container 150 may be a planter 500.Planter 500 may be made from any suitable material. For instance,planter 500 may be made from expanded and/or perforated 510 steel.Planter 500 may comprise perforations 510 (via the expanded steel) suchthat the walls and/or base of the planter structure is porous, such as amesh, and permit the flow of water and/or other liquid deliverable fromthe planter 500 to the basin 400 and/or from the basin 400 to theplanter 500. Planter 500 may comprise ordered perforations 510 (via theexpanded steel) such that the walls and/or base of the planter structureis porous and permit the growth of roots of plants down into basin 400,such as to support hydroponics. Planter 500 may be any desired shape;however, the exterior walls and shape of planter 500 preferably mirror ashape of the interior walls of basin 400.

With reference to FIG. 1, containers 130 and 140 may be located outsideof basin 400 while containers 150 and 150 are located within/insertedinto basin 400. In this way, basin 400 and containers 130 and 140 mayfill, such as completely span, the gap between platform 115 and platform120. Stated another way, according to various embodiments, basin 400does not span the length of either platform 115 and/or platform 120.According to various embodiments, a planter 500 of furniture system 100may be swapped with container 150 of similar dimensions. While supportmembers 205, 210, 215, 220 of furniture system 100 are depicted arebeing towards the ends of platform 115 and platform 120, in operation,according to various embodiments, support members 205, 210, 215, 220 maybe located a span of inches from the ends of platform 115 and platform120. In this way, support members 220 may interfere with the depth ofcontainers 130 and 140. Moreover, support members 220 may interfere withthe depth of basin 400. Basin 400 is, in general, located between twosupport members 220. Moreover, basin 400, in general, spans a heightabove support member 220 and below support member 220. Containers 130and 140 may be positioned generally on top of support member 220 on eachside of the assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 5A-5B, planters 500 may be formed from a solidpiece of expanded steel 510. Cuts may be made in the solid piece ofsteel to form a desired geometric or free form shape. Generally, thesides of planter 500 are bent at 90 degrees, to form a generally openbox shaped structure. At each connecting point, such as alone thecorners, welds may be made via one of the aforementioned various weldingtechniques. Angle iron may be used to build a frame 505 for planter 500.Angle iron in this context is a piece of steel that's formed or bent at90 degrees. Angle iron may be found in various widths, thicknesses, andlengths. The angle iron frame 505 is then welded to the expanded steelbox shaped structure to form planter 500. In other words, the interioror exterior surface of the expanded steel box mates with an angle ironframe that substantially mirrors the dimensions of the perimeter of theplanter 500. The angle iron frame 505 may form a lip of planter 500 thatrests upon the surface of furniture system 100 and suspends planter 500.Planter 500 may be configured to be received by the interior opening ofcatch basin 400. The lip of angle iron frame 505 may rest on top ofplatform 115, 120 and/or on top of flange 401 of basin 400. Planter 500may be any desired depth, however and preferably, the bottom of planter500 does not make contact with the base of basin 400 such that a channel520 is formed between the inside bottom surface of basin 400 and theunderside of planter 500 (See FIG. 8). This orientation allows room forwater drainage and/or liquid flow, such as beneath and/or throughplanter 500. Planter 500 may be lifted out of basin 400 at any time.Planter 500 may run any desired length. Planter 500 may comprisere-positionable dividers that separate planter 500 into chambers. Eachplanter 500 may be any desired length, width or depth, but is generallyconstrained by the width and depth of basin 400. Preferably, basin 400is substantially filled with one or more planter 500. Planter 500 may beconfigured to receive soil, fertilizer, living plants such as herbs,vegetables, flowers, roots in its interior 510.

Containers 130, 140, 150 may be formed from a solid piece of material,such as sheet metal. Cuts may be made in the solid piece of sheet metalto form a desired geometric or free form shape. Generally, the sides ofcontainers 130, 140, 150 are bent at 90 degrees, to form a generallyopen box shaped structure. At each connecting point, such as alone thecorners, welds may be made via one of the aforementioned various weldingtechniques. Angle iron may be used to build a frame for containers 130,140, 150. The angle iron frame is then welded to the sheet metal boxshaped structure to form containers 140, 130, 150. In other words, theinterior or exterior surface of the sheet metal box mates with an angleiron frame that substantially mirrors the dimensions of the perimeter ofthe box. The angle iron frame may form a lip of containers 130, 140, 150that rests upon surface of furniture system 100 and suspends containers130, 140, 150.

In the alternative, containers 130, 140, 150 may be formed entirely outof a material (e.g. entirely out of welded sheet metal without the useof an angle iron frame or angle iron flange). The cut, shaped/bent edgesmay be formed into a flange, such as a 90 degree flange, from the solidpiece of material that is configured to rest upon a surface of furnituresystem 100 and suspend containers 130, 140, 150. Containers 130, 140,150 may be configured to be positioned adjacent to an exterior side wallof basin 400. The lip of angle iron and/or sheet metal flange may reston top of platform 115, 120 and/or on top of flange 401 of basin 400.Containers 130, 140, 150 may be any desired depth, however andpreferably, the bottom of planter 500 does not make contact with thebase of basin 400. This orientation allows room for water drainageand/or liquid flow, such as beneath and/or through planter 500. Thisorientation allows room for water drainage and/or liquid flow, such asbeneath and/or through planter 500. In the alternative, containers 130,140, 150 may be shaped such that only a portion of planter 500 does notmake contact with the base of basin 400, such as by having apass-through portion. Containers 130, 140, 150 may be lifted out offurniture system 100 at any time. Containers 130, 140, 150 may be anydesired length, width or depth but are generally constrained by thewidth and depth of a gap 250 between raised platforms 115, 120.

Containers 140, 130 may have clips, holes or surface contours to houseutensils, bottles, cups, plates, napkins, trash, bottle openers, tools.Containers 150 may have be configured to house ice, bottles cans, cups,serving ware. Containers 150 may have be configured to aquariums and/orhabitats. Containers 150, 140, 130 may be formed with a lid.

According to various embodiments, furniture system 100 may comprise 150,140, 130 and planter 500 concurrently. According to various embodiments,a planter 500 of furniture system 100 may be swapped with container 150of similar dimensions.

According to various embodiments, furniture system 100 may furthercomprise a central watering system. For instance, the central wateringsystem may comprise internal plumbing that runs through one or moresupport members 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 of furnituresystem 100. This internal plumbing may terminate and/or be coupled tocatch basin 400 and/or one or more planter 500. Thus, the centralwatering system may comprise an automatic watering function if coupledto a controller and/or water source (e.g. a drip system). This mayreduce and/or negate the need for manual watering of the contents of theplanter 500. Similarly, support members 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235,240, 245 may be plumbed for gas, so you can have a fire feature integralto the furniture system 100. Electrical wires may be run through supportmembers 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240, 245 and coupled to lightingor other electrical equipment integral to the furniture system 100.

According to various embodiments, a building process of furniture system100 may be as follows. Square steel tubing of desired suitabledimensions, such as approximately 2 by 2 square steel tubing, ofapproximately O60 wall to O83 wall thickness is cut to a desired length.Round tubing, angle iron, I-beams, channel, unistrut, sheet metal formedon any number of metal bending machines may be used in lieu of and/or inaddition to square tubing. Similarly, aluminum, aluminum tubing,aluminum angle iron, I-beams, and channel may be used in formingelements furniture system 100. These materials may be cut to appropriatelengths. Support member 215 may be welded to support member 205 and/orsupport member 210. Support member 205 may be welded to support member220. Support member 210 may be welded to support member 220. Thus, arectangular side is formed. A second rectangular side may be formed ofthe same process. Cross-braces are cut to appropriate lengths to connectthe two formed rectangles support members to form a steel sub-frame.Stated another way, the two rectangles are upright at 90 degrees, andthe horizontal pieces, support members 230, 235 attach the tworectangles together near the top of the furniture system 100.

According to various embodiments, at least one smaller diameter tubing240, 245 spans from a first rectangle support structure to a secondrectangle shaped support structure. In general, these smaller diametertubing 240, 245 are spaced with a gap 250 in between for receiving basin400. The gap 250 may be any desired width but is preferably about 12inches. Basin 400 may attach to center cross-braces 240, 245. Supportmembers 230, 235 and support members 240, 245 may be coupled to otherportions of furniture system 100 through any desired means. Supportmembers 230, 235 and support members 240, 245 may be welding inposition. They could be riveted in. A bracket may be coupled to eachsupport member 230, 235, 240, 245 support member 230, 235, 240, 245 maybe riveted together. Support members 205, 210, 215, 220, 230, 235, 240,245 may be screwed together, bolted together, glued together, epoxiedtogether. Any welded corner could be a bend-formed piece. For instance,the rectangular sides may be formed out of bent tubing.

Holes, such as approximately 5/16^(th) holes are drilled in both thesupport members 235, 230, 220 through both walls of the tubing atdesired intervals.

According to various embodiments and with reference to FIG. 7, prior toforming platform 115, 120, each piece of wood is standardized to desireddimensions (Step 710). For instance, the wood of raised platform 115,120 may be milled to specific measurements. This wood is then sanded.Preferably a top surface of platform 115, 120, is substantially flatand/or level (Step 720). Next, a polyurethane resin, a fiberglass resin,epoxy, wood glue, may be applied to a plurality of wood planks/sections610, 615 (See FIG. 6). The plurality of wood planks/sections 610, 615are put under pressure, such as via clamps (Step 730, 740). Thesecoating may reinforce the lumber. Often times this increases thestructural soundness of the lumber, such as the reclaimed lumber whichmay comprise cracks or a split. From there, the wood of platform 115,120 hexahedron section may be stained (Step 750). The stains may varyfrom a variety of stains, such as a vinegar based stain, patina, orcoating to weather the wood.

According to various embodiments, treatment to weather the surface maybe performed (Step 760). This treatment may include blunt impact, cuts,burns and the like to the surface. A polyurethane clear coat, an epoxy,a polyurethane epoxy, a bar top surface and/or the like may be appliedto the surface. According to various embodiments, a low VOC clear coat,which is a food grade safe clear coat, may be applied to the wood ofplatforms 115, 120. According to various embodiments, a fiberglass resincoating may be applied to the wood of platforms 115, 120 (Step 770).These coatings may be applied prior to and/or after coupling platform115, 120 to the structural supports 230, 235, 240, 245. As theseplatforms are positioned adjacent water holding elements, and water maybe detrimental to the wood of platforms 115, 120, these coating mayextend the lifespan and add strength to platforms 115, 120. Withreference to FIGS. 7 and 9, should platforms 115, 120 have a naturalvoid, such as a split or knot of the wood, a coating, such as thefiberglass coating, may be added to fill the natural void to achieve asubstantially flat and/or level surface (Step 780). Should excesscoating be needed additional elements may be added within the naturalvoid to act as a source identifier (in addition to other trademarking)add intrigue and to fill the space, as excess coating in such as voidmay appear dull or cloudy. The additional element may be a keepsake,such as a coin (e.g., a penny). A natural void may be expanded toaccommodate insertion of the keepsake. The wood of platforms 115, 120may be sanded and re-stained if desired (Step 790).

The platforms 115, 120 are anchored to the support members 220, 235, 230onto each side of the tubing of the sub-frame via the predrilled holes.The platforms 115, 120 are sized to overhang the rectangular shapedsupport members formed by support members 205, 210, 215, 220. Thisoverhang is approximately the width of container 130 and/or container140. A wood lag, such as a 5/16ths inch wood lag, runs through thesub-frame, the steel frame base or the metal frame base, and then thatgoes into the platform 115, 120.

Catch basin 400 may be attached prior to platform 115, 120 being coupledto the steel sub-frame or after platform 115, 120 is coupled to thesteel sub-frame. Basin 400 may be stitch weld to the metal sub-frame.The sub-frame may be coated. This coating may be a spray paint coating,a powder coat coating, an enamel coating, such as an acrylic coating,galvanized, plating, anodizing or patina finish. In the alternative, thesteel may be left raw and with the ability to rust.

The one or more platform 115, 120, once it is anchored to the sub-frame,may be stained or weathered.

Lower platforms, may flank raised platforms 115, 120. These lowerplatforms may be configured for sitting. Thus, lower platforms may formbenches. The benches may be coupled to the furniture system 100 and/orconfigured to be nested under furniture system 100. According to variousembodiments and with reference to FIGS. 1-2, similar to aspects ofsub-frame, lower platforms may comprise one or more support members.These support members may be coupled together in any desired orientationand/or shape. For instance, similar to the processes described above,support members of the lower platforms may be formed into rectangles andcross braced. A pair of rectangular shaped formed support memberscoupled together via a cross brace may generally form a “U” shape.

Lower platform may be any suitable dimension and/or shape, however, in apreferred embodiment; each lower platform is a hexahedron, (e.g. apolyhedron with six faces.) At least one of the six faces of the lowerplatform may be substantially parallel with the plane of the ground. Aspreviously noted, the dimensions of this face may be any suitabledimension, but are generally between about 12-40 inches wide, andpreferably about 14-20 inches wide. The length of each lower platformmay be any suitable dimension, however, in a preferred embodiment; eachlower platform is preferably less than the width of the span of thesub-frame. The height of the face of each lower platform may be anysuitable dimension, however, in a preferred embodiment the height of theface of each lower platform is configured for comfortable seating withrespect to addressing raised platform 115, 120.

In the detailed description herein, references to “various embodiments”,“one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc.,indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, itwill be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implementthe disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed herein with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of the inventions. The scope of the inventions isaccordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, inwhich reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean“one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one ormore.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C”is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted tomean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may bepresent in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, orthat any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in asingle embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and Band C. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the presentdisclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless ofwhether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited inthe claims. As used herein, the term adjacent may mean in closeproximity to, but does not necessarily require contact. As used herein,the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does notinclude only those elements but may include other elements not expresslylisted or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A furniture system comprising: a firstwooden horizontal platform, wherein the first wooden horizontal platformis coated with a fiberglass resin; a second wooden horizontal platform,wherein the second wooden horizontal platform is coated with thefiberglass resin; a pitched water-tight metal basin disposedhorizontally between the first wooden horizontal platform and the secondwooden horizontal platform; one or more support members configured to atleast one of support and raise at least one of the first woodenhorizontal platform, the second wooden horizontal platform and thepitched water-tight metal basin from ground level; and a first porousmesh metal container positioned at least partially within the pitchedwater-tight metal basin, wherein the first porous mesh metal containercomprises a first lip of bent metal configured to at least partiallyoverhang an opening of the pitched water-tight metal basin and a secondlip of bent metal configured to at least partially overhang the openingof the pitched water-tight metal basin, such that at least a portion ofthe first porous mesh metal container is disposed above at least aportion of the pitched water-tight metal basin.
 2. The furniture systemof claim 1, further comprising a freestanding first bench comprising athird wooden horizontal platform, wherein a height of the third woodenhorizontal platform is substantially equal to a height of the firstwooden horizontal platform, wherein the third wooden horizontal platformis coated with the fiberglass resin, and further comprising afreestanding second bench comprising a fourth wooden horizontalplatform, wherein a height of the fourth wooden horizontal platform issubstantially equal to a height of the second wooden horizontalplatform, wherein the fourth wooden horizontal platform is coated withthe fiberglass resin.
 3. The furniture system of claim 2, wherein anatural void of at least one of the first wooden horizontal platform,the second wooden horizontal platform, the third wooden horizontalplatform and the fourth wooden horizontal platform is filled with akeepsake and the fiberglass resin to create a substantially levelsurface.
 4. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein the keepsake is acoin.
 5. The furniture system of claim 4, wherein the coin is a penny.6. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein the keepsake is a sourceidentifier.
 7. The furniture system of claim 3, wherein the natural voidis a knot in the wood.
 8. The furniture system of claim 1, furthercomprising a second porous mesh metal container positioned at leastpartially within the pitched water-tight metal basin, wherein the secondporous mesh metal container comprises a first lip of bent metalconfigured to at least partially overhang the opening of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin and a second lip of bent metal configured to atleast partially overhang the opening of the pitched water-tight metalbasin, such that at least a portion of the second porous mesh metalcontainer is disposed above at least a portion of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin.
 9. The furniture system of claim 8, furthercomprising a first end metal container positioned adjacent the firstporous mesh metal container located external to the pitched water-tightmetal basin, wherein the first end metal container is disposed betweenthe first wooden horizontal platform and the second wooden horizontalplatform; and further comprising a second end metal container positionedadjacent the second porous mesh metal container located external to thepitched water-tight metal basin, wherein the second end metal containeris disposed between the first wooden horizontal platform and the secondwooden horizontal platform.
 10. The furniture system of claim 9, whereincumulative lengths of the first end metal container, the first porousmesh metal container, the second porous mesh metal container, and thesecond end metal container are substantially equal to a length of thefirst wooden horizontal platform, and wherein cumulative lengths offirst end metal container, the first porous mesh metal container, thesecond porous mesh metal container, and the second end metal containerare substantially equal to a length of the second wooden horizontalplatform.
 11. The furniture system of claim 9, wherein the pitchedwater-tight metal basin is centered both on an x axis and a y axis of aperimeter formed by a distal edge of the first end metal container, adistal edge of the first porous mesh metal container, a distal edge ofthe second porous mesh metal container, and a distal edge of the secondend metal container.
 12. The furniture system of claim 1, wherein thepitched water-tight metal basin spans a shorter length than the lengthof the first wooden horizontal platform, wherein the pitched water-tightmetal basin spans a shorter length than the length of the second woodenhorizontal platform, and wherein the length of the first woodenhorizontal platform and the length of the second wooden horizontalplatform are substantially equal.
 13. The furniture system of claim 1,wherein the pitched water-tight metal basin spans a shorter width thanthe width of the first wooden horizontal platform, wherein the pitchedwater-tight metal basin spans a shorter width than the width of thesecond wooden horizontal platform, and wherein the width of the firstwooden horizontal platform and the width of the second wooden horizontalplatform are substantially equal.
 14. The furniture system of claim 1,wherein the pitched water-tight metal basin comprises a valve.
 15. Thefurniture system of claim 1, wherein the pitched water-tight metal basinand ordered repeated openings in the sides and base of the first porousmesh metal container are configured for hydroponic growing.
 16. Thefurniture system of claim 1, further comprising a channel formed betweenthe inside bottom surface of the pitched water-tight metal basin and theunderside of the first porous mesh metal container.
 17. A furnituresystem comprising: a first wooden horizontal platform; a second woodenhorizontal platform; a pitched water-tight metal basin disposedhorizontally between the first wooden horizontal platform and the secondwooden horizontal platform, wherein a first lip of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin and a second lip of the pitched water-tightmetal basin overhang at least a portion of a proximate edge of the firstwooden horizontal platform and a proximate edge of the second woodenhorizontal platform, such that at least a portion of the pitchedwater-tight metal basin is disposed above at least a portion of thefirst wooden horizontal platform and at least a portion of the secondwooden horizontal platform; one or more metal support members configuredto at least one of support and raise at least one of the first woodenhorizontal platform, the second wooden horizontal platform and thepitched water-tight metal basin from ground level; a first porous meshmetal container positioned at least partially within the pitchedwater-tight metal basin, wherein the first porous mesh metal containercomprises a first lip of bent metal configured to at least partiallyoverhang an opening of the pitched water-tight metal basin and a secondlip of bent metal configured to at least partially overhang the openingof the pitched water-tight metal basin, such that at least a portion ofthe first porous mesh metal container is disposed above at least aportion of the pitched water-tight metal basin; a second porous meshmetal container positioned at least partially within the pitchedwater-tight metal basin, wherein the second porous mesh metal containercomprises a first lip of bent metal configured to at least partiallyoverhang the opening of the pitched water-tight metal basin and a secondlip of bent metal configured to at least partially overhang the openingof the pitched water-tight metal basin, such that at least a portion ofthe second porous mesh metal container is disposed above at least aportion of the pitched water-tight metal basin; a first end metalcontainer positioned adjacent the first porous mesh metal containerlocated external to and adjacent to the pitched water-tight metal basin,wherein the first end metal container is disposed between the firstwooden horizontal platform and the second wooden horizontal platform;and a second end metal container positioned adjacent the second porousmesh metal container located external to and adjacent to the pitchedwater-tight metal basin, wherein the second end metal container isdisposed between the first wooden horizontal platform and the secondwooden horizontal platform, wherein cumulative lengths of the first endmetal container, the first porous mesh metal container, the secondporous mesh metal container, and the second end metal container aresubstantially equal to the length of the first wooden horizontalplatform, wherein a length of the pitched water-tight metal basin issubstantially equal to cumulative lengths of the first porous mesh metalcontainer and the second porous mesh metal container.